Then he raised his impertinent monocle and fixed it in one of his eyes while the doctor made the introduction.
"Count Kaledine ...

Captain Ferragut." The count gave the sailor his hand, a hard hand, well-cared for and vigorous, which for a long time enclosed that of Ulysses, wishing to dominate it with an ineffectual pressure.
The conversation continued in English which was the language employed by the doctor in her relations with Ulysses.
"The gentleman is a sailor ?" asked Ferragut in order to clarify his doubts.
The monocle did not move from its orbit, but a light ripple of surprise appeared to cross its luminous convexity.

The doctor hastened to reply.
"The count is an illustrious diplomat who is now on leave, regaining his health.

He has traveled a great deal, but he is not a sailor." And she continued her explanations.
The Kaledines were of a Russian family ennobled in the days of Catherine the Great.

The doctor, being a Polish woman, had been connected with them for many years....